Yemisi Izuora
Polaris Bank has graduated 58 exceptional new hires from its flagship Polaris Graduate Intensive Training (PGIT) and Polaris Tech Ignite Programme (PTIP), reinforcing its commitment to building world-class talent in Nigeria.
The ceremony, attended by senior leadership and invited guests, celebrated a highly selective cohort drawn from over 10,000 applicants – placing them among the top 0.58% who successfully made the cut. The milestone underscores the bank’s rigorous standards in identifying and grooming future leaders.
Addressing the graduates, Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, delivered a compelling charge centered on continuous learning and adaptability in a fast-evolving industry. “Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching,” he said. “In today’s technology-driven world, staying relevant requires constantly upgrading your skills. The world has moved from a pre-digital era to one powered by AI – where tasks that once took weeks are now completed in minutes. To thrive, you must learn, adapt, and evolve.”
He also stressed the primacy of character, noting that integrity remains the cornerstone of a successful banking career. “Integrity is the hallmark of a banker – once you lose it, you lose everything. What we truly sell is our reputation,” he stated, urging the graduates to uphold the highest ethical standards.
Mr. Lawal further encouraged disciplined financial habits, humility, and gratitude, reminding them that success goes beyond professional milestones to include lifelong learning, strong values, and respect for those who support one’s journey.
Congratulating the cohort, he urged them to embrace their careers with purpose and responsibility, noting that their contributions will be pivotal to the bank’s growth and the broader financial ecosystem.
The PGIT and PTIP programmes offer intensive training across banking and technology disciplines and have consistently produced high-performing professionals. The new hires will be deployed across key functions, supporting Polaris Bank’s strategic priorities in retail expansion, digital innovation, and superior customer experience.
Polaris Bank remains committed to empowering young Nigerians with opportunities to build impactful careers, as it continues to foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth within the financial services sector.